civilians in the middle east: why??

[phantom power]

The rising death toll for civilians working in Iraq, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia makes me wonder why they continue to work there. I've never considered the middle east to be very safe, but these days it's like playing russian roulette to be over there.

You couldn't pay me enough to work over there. Maybe if I felt like I had to for my family, I'd change my mind. But even so. What good is it for my family if I'm killed?

In summary: what are these people thinking??

[pocket]

1. high risk = $$$

same reason people work as crab fishermen.

They think it'll happen to the other guy.

[napi21]

2. It's very simple.........MONEY!!!!!

I don't know how much these people earn now, but many years ago, in the 70's I think, there were ads in the paper for people who would guard the oil fields in Saudi Arabia. The pay back then was $130,000 a year. AT that time, I was making around $6,500 a year. I didn't apply, but you have to admit, that's a VERY tempting offer!

[phantom power]

4. that would be tempting

if they're being paid *that* kind of crazy mark-up for hazardous duty, I guess I can see the temptation.

[Nay]

9. Money it is. My hubby and I almost did the SA thing in the 80's.

He would have made about $120,000 per year tax-free, and of course all housing, food, etc., is paid, and you got to go home to the U.S. free twice a year.

We're sorry we didn't do it then, but now. . .you couldn't pay us enough.

[plurality]

3. that and they're not exactly civilians

True they aren't directly employed by the government, but employees of Lockheed Martin, Vinell Corp., and others aren't exactly pizza delivery boys. Many of these people are arming and equipping the Saudi security forces, which in turn uses that training to do things like shooting school girls fleeing a burning building because they aren't adequately covered.

[MUSTANG_2004]

5. Getting out of debt

I have no idea. The one person I know who took a job in the Middle East did so to pay off what he said was crushing debt.

[newyawker99]

8. Hi MUSTANG_2004!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Hubert Flottz]

6. Greed!

Money is the root of ALL Evil!

[ProdigalJunkMail]

10. nope

the LOVE of money is the root of all evil...

theProdigal

[TX-RAT]

7. People from west TX have been there over 30 yrs

Not uncommon for oil field personnel.